Rain is crossing the North Island today and while overall totals are not overly huge this will be incredibly helpful following other recent small ‘top ups’ says WeatherWatch.co.nz, who has been working closely with MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) and Waikato Regional Council in recent weeks due to the borderline drought..

Today’s rain band certainly stands out over the Tasman Sea but this is normal over the warmer sea waters. Once the front makes landfall today it will somewhat fall apart and weaken.

However in our driest regions, like Waikato, Whanganui and Manawatu we generally expect 15 to 30mm which on top of previous small fronts are starting to all add up into a healthier, greener, setup going into May.

Some areas may receive more than 30mm, with perhaps 50 to 70mm in some higher locations like Mt Taranaki and other ranges. This will be helpful for waterways and overall water tables too.

Good luck dry #Waikato today – you need more rain and you’re getting some. Totals will vary between around 10mm and 30mm at this stage.

Front looks impressive over the Tasman Sea, but weakens as it moves over the North Island later today. #Drought

– https://t.co/gb7E1qcpZ3 pic.twitter.com/yu1IBGU55p

— WeatherWatch.co.nz (@WeatherWatchNZ) April 10, 2019